Steward Leadership - Character Matters

       This is Chuck Rapp with Multiply, a podcast to provide a word of encouragement for village church planters and leaders.

We continue our series on steward leadership; today and in the next few episodes, I will focus upon some major themes of stewardship. We begin with the thought that Character Matters.

To review, a steward is defined as “someone who manages resources belonging to another person in order to achieve the owner’s objectives.” In our context, we are managing resources provided by the Lord for our Village Church Planting work.

You may recall that character was my theme during 2024 as we examined the leadership traits of Daniel and Nehemiah. In my podcast titled Faithful for a Long Duration, I shared that Daniel served approximately 66 years under three Babylonian kings!  We learn how he was able to do this in chapter 6, verse 4.

“At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. [emphasis added]

What a testimony!  What a legacy! No one, included those who opposed him, could find any corruption in him.  He was trustworthy as a steward under three Babylonian kings, and he was not negligent in his duties. Let us strive, in the power, anointing and equipping of the Holy Spirit, to be like Daniel.

Earlier this year, we began this series with the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25.  The servant who was given five bags “went at once and put his money to work…” (verse 16)  Faithful stewards have a sense of urgency and are diligent to provide a good return to their master. This attitude of diligence and faithfulness to the Master is an example for us to follow.

Also, recall with me the parable of the faithful and wise steward found in Matthew 24. In verses 46 and 47, Jesus teaches, “It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.” Jesus teaches – as He did in the parable of the talents – that those who obey God will be rewarded.  Our obedience, which is rooted in our character, is vitally important.

I close with some scriptures and quotes about character.

* Proverbs 10:9, Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.

* “Integrity means that we are trustworthy and dependable, and our character is above reproach.” Billy Graham.

* Proverbs 11:3, The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

Yes, Character Matters!

Next time, we will continue our study of steward leadership. This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters and leaders.